For those just getting started, we recommend: Burroughs, Tony. Black Roots: A Beginner’s Guide To Tracing The African American Family Tree. New York Fireside Book, 2001. Call no. Local History Ref E185.96 .B94 2001

And later this month, we invite you to join us at the weekly Newberry colloquium to hear Sarah Jones Weicksel’s presentation: “The Negro’s Right to the Coat of Blue/To Freemen’s Hopes and Manhood Too”: Outfitting African American Soldiers in the Civil War. The colloquium is a free weekly gathering of Newberry staff members, fellows, scholars-in-residence, and readers. Reservations not required.

Familysearch.com is the one i've had the most luck with, not to mention it is toltaly free. The only downside to it is if you have a common surname, such as Smith or Johnson. The less common, the better. If online sites arent working for you, living family members are a very good way to go. As a tip, be sure to write down any stories or events older family members recall, as grandparents. can be a wealth of information.